Roland R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder
The R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder from Roland provides a wealth of flexibility in a compact design, ideal for a variety of professional applications in music, filmmaking, journalism, and more. The R-26 can simultaneously capture up to 6 tracks of audio as 3 stereo pairs. The recorder offers 2 types of built-in stereo mics; one omnidirectional and one directional. There are also 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with 48V phantom power for external mics, and a 3.5mm mic input for small stereo mics with plug-in power. The built-in mics can be used in a variety of combinations alongside external mics for amazing recording versatility.
The R-26 captures high-quality WAV/BWF files at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz. It can also capture MP3 files at rates up to 320kbps. Files are written to widely-available SD/SDHC flash memory cards for convenience and stability. A high-speed USB port allows you to transfer your recordings to a Mac or PC for convenient editing and sharing. SONAR LE software is included for manipulating your audio on a Windows PC.
The R-26 has a large touchscreen LCD display for quick and intuitive navigation of menus, customizing mic settings, editing waveforms, and more. There are also large input level control knobs for making fine adjustments. The recorder can operate on 4 standard AA batteries, or via the included AC adapter. An SD card, USB cable, and windscreen are also included so you can start using the recorder right out of the box.
Note! The included SONAR LE software is compatible with Windows computers only.
- Compact Design
- The compact design is ideal for a variety of professional applications in music, filmmaking, journalism, and more
- 6-Channel Recording
- The integrated stereo mics and Roland's unique DSP engine allow simultaneous recording of up to 6 channels as 3 stereo pairs
- 2 Types of Built-in Mics
- There is an omnidirectional stereo mic and a directional stereo mic. The mics can be combined in various ways to create a variety of patterns
- External Mic Inputs
- There are 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with 48V phantom power for external mics, and a 3.5mm mic input for small stereo mics with plug-in power. You can use these inputs along with the integrated mics for many purposes, such as recording a stereo mix from a front-of-house mixer while simultaneously capturing ambient audience noise
- Ultimate Flexibility
- You can capture different signals simultaneously, or capture the same source with 3 different types of mics. This allows you to choose individual tracks or composite mixes later on to suit your needs
- Multiple File Types
- The R-26 captures high-quality WAV/BWF files at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz. It can also capture MP3 files at rates up to 320kbps
- SD/SDHC Media
- Files are written to widely-available SD/SDHC flash memory cards for convenience and stability
- High-Speed USB
- A high-speed USB port allows you to transfer your recordings to a Mac or PC for convenient editing and sharing. You can also use the recorder with your computer as a live audio interface or for external storage. SONAR LE software is included for manipulating your audio on a Windows PC
- Loop-Back Function
- When using the R-26 as an audio interface, you can enable the Loop-Back function with the built-in mics or external mics to create a live video streaming setup
- Intuitive Interface
- The R-26 has a large touchscreen LCD display for quick and intuitive navigation of menus, customizing mic settings, editing waveforms, and more. There are also large input level control knobs for making fine adjustments
- Power Options
- The recorder can operate on 4 standard AA batteries, or via the included AC adapter
- Accessories
- In addition to the SONAR LE software and the AC adapter, the R-26 also includes an SD card, USB cable, and windscreen so you can start using the recorder right out of the box
| Type | Portable Digital Audio Recorder |
| Number of Channels | 6 (3 Stereo Pairs) |
| Signal Processing | 24-bit AD/DA Conversion, 44.1/48/88.2/96kHz |
| Recording Format |
WAV/BWF: 44.1/48/88.2/96kHz, 16/24-bit MP3: 44.1/48kHz, 128/160/320kbps WAV + MP3: 44.1/48kHz, 16-bit, 128kbps |
| Playback Format |
WAV: 44.1/48/88.2/96kHz, 16/24-bit MP3: 44.1/48kHz, 32-320kbps or VBR |
| Recording Method | SD/SDHC Flash Memory |
| Built-In Microphone |
1 x Omnidirectional Stereo Microphone 1 x Directional (XY) Stereo Microphone |
| Connectors |
2 x XLR/TRS Combo Inputs 1 x 3.5mm Stereo Mini Mic Input 1 x 3.5mm Headphone Jack 1 x USB Mini-B Port |
| Input Level |
Analog Inputs: +4, -2, -8, -14, -20, -26, -32, -38, -44, -50, -56, -62dBu 3.5mm Input: -7.5, -21, -26dBu |
| Input Impedance |
Analog Inputs: 5 kOhms 3.5mm Input: 3 kOhms (Med/High), 2 kOhms (Low) |
| Maximum Input |
Analog Inputs: +24dBu (Sens @ +4dBu) 3.5mm Input: +4dBu (Sens @ Low) |
| Output Level | 35mW + 35mW (16 Ohms) |
| Load Impedance | 16 Ohms or Greater |
| Frequency Response | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Phantom Power |
48V ±4V 10mA or Less in all Channels |
| USB |
High-Speed USB Audio USB Mass Storage Device Class |
| Display | 160 x 160 Dot Touchscreen Graphic Display |
| Power |
4 x AA Batteries (Alkaline or NiMH) AC Adapter |
| Current Draw | 500mA Max |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 3.25 x 7.1 x 1.6" (82 x 180 x 41mm) |
| Weight | 14 oz (370g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 10 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (9)
- Excellent sound (6)
- Good power output (6)
- Versatile (6)
- Low distortion (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional recording (8)
- Performances (6)
- Amateur recording (4)
- Outdoor events / games (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (8)
Most Liked Positive Review
I love R-26
wow ! This R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder by Roland is really great device. I really like it. It has great sound quality.
wow ! This R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder by Roland is really great device. I really like it. It has great sound quality.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Roland R26
Not a bad unit, but the pre amps are not as clean as I was expecting them to be. It is extremely sensitive to handling noise, and it doesn't help that the unit is...Read complete review
Not a bad unit, but the pre amps are not as clean as I was expecting them to be. It is extremely sensitive to handling noise, and it doesn't help that the unit is all plastic. Even the chrome on top is plastic. If you are not looking for a durable unit, and you don't mind a little hiss, this unit is for you. Your better off with the new Tascam DR40. (The quality I was looking for, I found in the Sound Devices 702, so I returned the R26 and bought the SD702 instead)
Reviewed by 10 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Roland R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder:
wow ! This R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder by Roland is really great device. I really like it. It has great sound quality.
Images shared by Kiranti Khaling Rai
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Roland R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder:
As a cultural ethnographer, I've had several types of field recorders, most recently the Marantz PMD 660. Over the years I've had problems with the Marantz transferring the digital file onto my computer. Most recently it did not record an interview, despite all indications that it was recording. So I decided to purchase the Roland R 26 based on colleague's recommendations.
So far it has done the job. Since I use an external analog microphone, I've found that the setup procedure is more complicated than I would like, and for some reason the sound volume is low, which means you need to place the microphone directly in front of the person you're recording. However the built in microphone is very good, which is nice in group situations. Transferring the digital file to the computer is extremely simple and has worked seamlessly. I plan on using this hopefully for the rest of my career. It's nice being able to record in different modes, ie mp3, wav, etc. The display is easily understood as is the manual.
- Similar:
- Marantz PMD 660
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Roland R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder:
Great for field recordings
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Roland R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder:
We are using the R26 along side of our DSLR Cameras to get good quality audio. This unit is very user friendly and intuitive. It works very well and with it's multiple functions and mic inputs, you can get great audio that editors will appreciate.
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Professional Recording
Comments about Roland R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder:
Small and Powerful
By Borntoedit - Dec 8, 2011 - B&H Photo-Video-Audio
The recording quality is great, as long as you keep your hands off the unit. If you don't, it will record your hand changing position.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
Cons
- Expensive
- Large
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Roland R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder:
The recorder is a bit on the large side, but still very nice to work with. Input levels are easily adjusted on the go, using separate knobs and without needing to go into submenus. The touch screen controls are also rather good. The quality of the built in microphone is very good and noise levels are also low.
I am using it mainly together with the Röde NTG-2 microphone (to record sound for DSLR footage) and it powers the mic really well in phantom mode. The battery still lasts for hours. Raher expensive, but worth the money imho.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Low noise mic pres
- Versatile
Cons
- Mics are noisy high gain
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Performances
Comments about Roland R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder:
I needed this recorder to make some very quiet ambient recording.
This unit is great if you are looking for 2 portable channels of good sounding pre's. The on- board mics aren't very good - they're noisy. The pre's on the other hand are quiet good - better than the R44 pres (which are hissy).
However, unless you are looking to record things that are very quiet in situations where the noise floor is critical - this could be the right unit for you! It's nice to be able to record up to 6 channels at the same time. The pres are great, and the on board mics are passable. The touchscreen is nice, and it's fairly easy to use.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Roland R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder:
The recording quality is great, as long as you keep your hands off the unit. If you don't, it will record your hand changing position.
Pros
Cons
- Poor Quality Construction
- Poor Sound Quality
Best Uses
Comments about Roland R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder:
Not a bad unit, but the pre amps are not as clean as I was expecting them to be. It is extremely sensitive to handling noise, and it doesn't help that the unit is all plastic. Even the chrome on top is plastic. If you are not looking for a durable unit, and you don't mind a little hiss, this unit is for you. Your better off with the new Tascam DR40. (The quality I was looking for, I found in the Sound Devices 702, so I returned the R26 and bought the SD702 instead)
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Filmmaking
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Roland R-26 6-Channel Digital Field Audio Recorder:
It's very simple to use and set up, and offers extremely clean sound. It's extremely versatile, and offers professional results in all situations.
I am a filmmaker, and shoot with DSLR cameras. With it's 6 channels and clean sound quality, I can hardly imagine anything better. Especially for the price.
Oh, and the touchscreen is awesome.
Displaying reviews 1-10
Batteries & Power
Required item:
- Price: $1.23
-
- Original: $13.99
- Save: $1.40
- Price: $12.59
Accessory Packages
- Price: $129.00
Cables
-
- Original: $15.99
- Save: $1.60
- Price: $14.39
Media
-
- Original: $6.95
- Save: $0.69
- Price: $6.26
Headphones
- Price: $19.99
Wind Protection
- Price: $49.00
Cases & Protection
- Price: $77.25
Stands & Support
- Price: $19.99
What's in the Box
- AC Adapter
- Power Cord
- SD Card
- SONAR LE DVD-ROM
- USB Cable (Mini-B)
- Windscreen
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
